Author's notes: Friday always comes around very fast, yet so far, I am managing to keep to my posting schedule.

I want to thank everyone who left a review for my last chapter and for reassuring me that it was up to standard. I apologise for not replying to your reviews, but I hope to do so this weekend. I am amazed that so many people are still enjoying my story.

Chapter Twenty

The Mystery of Morgana

Deciding that directly inside the solar's doorway would be the best spot to place the rune circle, Merlin got down to work, while Arthur fidgeted in the background.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked his warlock friend, clearly agitated as he thought of what was to come.

Merlin looked up for a moment, willing to be interrupted. "Draw those curtains back, if you would. We want more light in here to dispel the gloom."

"Don't we need it to be dark to notice the signs showing Morgana is one of the... undead?" Arthur tried to force a joke. His thoughts about his sister were ambivalent to say the least.

"Not really. Believe me. We'll know either way," Merlin informed Arthur, who had gone to do his bidding. "But whatever happens, don't let Morgana see you're shocked."

"Couldn't you give me a clue? Forewarned is forearmed, you know," Arthur recited a mantra he'd repeated often to his young knights in training.

Merlin briefly stopped his preparations to glance up at Arthur. "A Shade is only clothed in human flesh." He swept his hands over the painted circles. "These enchanted rune marks show them in their true form."

"A skeleton?" Arthur asked, his voice and eyebrows rising. "Really?"

"Sort of... I'd say something in between, but she definitely won't look human."

"And if she does?"

"Then she's not a Shade; now stop interrupting and let me finish."

Yet Merlin had barely cast his spell over the circles when there was a knock at the door. He stood up and moved backwards to stand close by The King. There was always a chance this meeting would give Morgana the opportunity to attack Arthur, and yet she hadn't the previous night when she was in his company. However, there had been more people present then to protect The King.

Merlin wasn't about to take a gamble with Arthur's safety and prepared to thwart any assault, though he was fairly confident that Iseldir's spell to rob Morgana of her magic was still potent.

Kay entered with Morgana, looking waif-like on his arm. "As requested, Sire," Kay said with a slight bow.

Both Merlin and Arthur held their breath as the lady and her escort walked across the all important rune marks, barely noticing the strange patterns on the floor...

And Morgana remained... Morgana, her unblemished skin pale, and her dark hair neatly coiffed at the back of her head, showing her willowy and very human neck to full advantage. She looked delicate yet beautiful, and it was clear Kay thought so.

"King Arthur!" Morgana spoke first, sinking into a low curtsy, the green silk of her dress pooling around her. "Thank you for granting me this audience. I understand from talking to Merlin, that our relationship has been strained lately... and yet I cannot remember. If this is so, then I must apologise for any offence I have committed."

While he listened to her talk, Arthur's eyes narrowed, studying her face and form. His sister had not changed one iota, which must mean she wasn't a shade, and he could feel Merlin remaining calm and contained by his side, which must mean Morgana was human... whatever else she was?

As was his habit, Arthur's jaw tightened while considering his reply. Finally, he spoke. "I'm sorry, Morgana, but to describe our relationship as strained is something of an understatement, and I'm certain an apology is not enough to excuse the crimes you have committed against me and mine."

Arthur gazed at the twisted knot of her hair, while she stayed bowed on the floor before him, and he could not refrain from remembering how he had teased her as a child about her glorious mane of hair, which made her at different times proud and annoyed: frustrated when she was a tom-boy, but gratified when she was a teenager trying to attract a boy. Yet such memories were not helpful. He was the leader of his people. He needed to stay strong.

At last, Morgana looked up at her brother, her eyes awash with tears. "But I cannot remember any of these crimes of which you accuse me."

"You are posing the question that you cannot be held accountable for actions you do not remember?" Arthur asked, his mind in a turmoil. If her offences were not so dreadful, then perhaps that might be true, but such was not the case.

"She has a point, Sire," Kay spoke up, unwilling to believe the girl he had played with long ago could have become this terrible sorceress in the stories he heard told.

Throwing Kay a warning glance, Arthur spoke sternly. "Kay, you were not here. You know not of what you speak. If it were only my life Morgana had threatened, I might find forgiveness in my heart, but she has caused the death of so many people under my protection, many whom I have loved. I cannot ignore those facts."

"Yet you have called a Grand Council to debate legalising magic?" Kay's remembered fondness for Morgana made him bold.

"Yes! That is correct, and I hold true to my word, but I will not excuse magic being used to harm or maim. Those who kill, using magic or not, will be brought to account."

"Kay, this is exactly what the anti-magic cabal fear," Merlin added his thoughts to Arthur's. "That sorcerers who do evil will do so with impunity. Neither Arthur nor I want that, and if we ignore Morgana's past actions, we could give carte blanch to others to do as they will."

"At this very moment, we cannot afford to show weakness," Arthur continued, his hands clenching and unclenching behind his back. "We would ruin all our hopes for success."

"Then you would execute your own sister?" Kay questioned, horrified that his friend could be so callous.

Arthur drew back, feeling as if Kay had slapped him. Did Kay think he wanted this? "I didn't mention execution!"

"Execution? But you are not Uther. Why would you sentence me to death?" Morgana asked in disbelief, her skin blanched from pale to ghostly white. "What terrible crimes have I committed that you would consider executing me?"

Arthur took a deep breath, looking anywhere but at his sister. "Where do I start, Morgana? Perhaps with the time you joined forces with Morgause and Cenred and their immortal army. You killed hundreds of our people; threw Uther in the dungeons and stole his throne. If it hadn't been for Merlin's magic we would never have defeated you." At last, he glanced at Morgana and was transfixed by the look of shock on her face. Yet it was because of her scepticism he continued. "Uther never recovered, you know. For all his faults, he loved you and you broke his heart. When he was mortally injured, your counter spell ensured that Merlin's healing enchantment was reversed. You killed our father..."

"No!" Morgana cut in, standing at last. "No, I couldn't! I wasn't in Camelot then."

"You didn't need to be. You had an accomplice," Arthur replied, his voice flat. "Agravaine! Though why he chose to follow you, I can only surmise..."

"Do you have proof he was my accomplice?"

"Morgana, I saw him marching with you into the Citadel alongside Helios and his mercenaries the second time you usurped the crown. Many people did. After we escaped, you sent him to hunt us down. Denying it will do you no good," Arthur said, sliding into his father's chair before realising where he sat, yet he didn't have the energy to move. Agravaine's betrayal would always hurt.

Morgana wrung her hands together, desperation and a tragic acceptance edging her voice . "If you say so, it must be true, but, believe me, Arthur, I can remember none of this."

"Yet you remembered you weren't in Camelot when Uther died," Merlin said quietly.

"Excuse me?" Morgana swung on Merlin, as if she had forgotten he was there and fear flickered fleetingly in her eyes.

"You've just told us you weren't in Camelot." Merlin held her startled stare with his sure gaze. "Do you know where you were?"

"I'm not sure," she stammered, shaking almost imperceptibly like a spider's silken web in a morning breeze. "I see a shabby hut... in a forest." Her eyes appeared blank, when suddenly she cried out with animation. "Perhaps that was where Alvarr imprisoned me."

"No one imprisoned you. I saw you there," Merlin intoned, taking no pleasure in this confrontation, but knowing it was needful. "You lived there of your own free will, though I'm sure you hated it. You discovered how to raise a shade and resurrected Lancelot, sending him to Camelot to destroy Arthur and Guinevere's marriage."

"Were you entertained when I broke my betrothal and exiled Guinevere?" Arthur ground out, the pity he'd begun to feel for Morgana leeching away.

Merlin smiled grimly at Morgana. "Yet it was Guinevere who alerted me to your plot with Helios..."

"She did?" Arthur cut in, his brows frowning in puzzlement.

"She did. Helios captured her and tried to seduce her... He didn't succeed," Merlin added quickly, seeing Arthur's eyes blaze ice blue with sudden rage. "Instead she escaped and warned me that Agravaine had passed the maps of the siege tunnels to Morgana and Helios."

Another very heartfelt sigh escaped The King's lips. "And once again I didn't heed your warning, Merlin. How stupid was I?" he declared in self-disgust, turning to face his sister. "I allowed Agravaine to open the gates of Camelot to you and Helios... and because of that many of my people died... again! I was right to doubt my ability to be King!"

"I don't see why, Sire," Kay finally spoke up, now looking askance at this ethereal but, clearly, deadly woman. "Seems to me a king, or any man should expect loyalty from his family, especially those he cares for." Kay had no doubt that Arthur still harboured some feelings for his half-sister, and he felt a deep sadness for the adults these once carefree children had become. "What happened to you, Morgana?" he asked, hoping for some explanation which would excuse her guilt, but knowing there could be nothing.

But Morgana didn't answer... couldn't answer. She just stared in horror at the three men surrounding her: Merlin challenging, Kay shocked and Arthur... she could not discern what her brother was feeling. He sat with his head in his hands, his shoulders slumped, a picture of dejection.

Silently, unexpectedly, disdainful words found their way into her mind...

What a joy it is to see you, Arthur. Look at you, not so tall and mighty now.

Her hands covered her ears, trying to shut out the sound, but the words echoed in her head regardless. Her own voice speaking...

You are going to die by Mordred's hand... But you won't die alone. I will stay and watch over you while the wolves gorge on your carcass and bathe in your blood...

She had spoken these hateful words and meant each one, but Merlin had stabbed her with a sword forged in a dragon's breath and she had died!

"No!" she screamed in terror. "No! I never wanted you dead, Arthur." Yet even as she spoke, she knew her denial was false. Though none of it made sense; she remembered the speech, but not the where or why!

Glancing around, she saw three pairs of eyes staring at her in astonishment. "You killed me, Emrys," she whispered in shock and sadness, beginning to see the pictures of that time playing through her mind. Arthur on the ground beside her as Merlin stood above her, watching as she breathed her last.

But still she didn't understand. "If you killed me, how is it I am alive?"

"That is what we would like to find out, Morgana," Merlin answered. "Perhaps High Priestesses have more than one life."

"I was a High Priestess," she repeated slowly, but it was a statement of fact, not a question.

There was a deep, terror ridden silence in the chamber; the very air seemed oppressive. Finally, Morgana announced. "Saying sorry is not enough. Not nearly enough, I know." Morgana appeared to shrink in on herself and she looked... old, as if the sorrows of ages rested on her thin shoulders. "You might find it hard to believe, Arthur, but I am glad you are still alive. Do with me what you will. I can only assure you that I bear you no ill will now. Not any of you." Her voice trailed off with a whispered groan.

Straightening up in his seat, Arthur made a tired movement with his hand, almost flicking her away. "Sir Kay," he said formally. "Return the Lady Morgana to her cell."

Kay stood frozen, as if waiting for another command.

"Go, Kay. Now!"

Bowing his head, Kay took hold of Morgana's arm and drew her, unresisting from the room.

Stillness remained, while the two friends stared at each other. Arthur rose, shaking off the gloom.

"What do you suggest we do with her now, Merlin?"

The warlock shrugged before answering. "I'm assuming you won't have her executed?"

Arthur shook his head slowly from side to side. "I should, but I don't think I can. Killing her on the field of battle, while she was still trying to harm us was acceptable, but I don't think I can sentence this sad, confused woman to death."

"And if she doesn't stay confused?"

"Then we rethink our options!" Arthur walked towards the door. "Monitor her, Merlin. I trust you and Iseldir can keep her from practising more of her dark arts, even if that is what she intends." He stopped with his hand on the latch. "But you can't tell me that this Morgana has evil in her heart."

"I wouldn't try. I still don't understand what has happened, however I'm sure this Morgana is innocent, but whether she stays this way or not, I have no idea."

Arthur nodded his head in agreement before opening the door. "Come, Merlin. We have other problems to occupy us for now."

The two friends left Uther's chambers together, vowing it would be a long time before they ventured in there again... and in the shadows, it seemed that Uther's spirit wept.

Sir Kay had every intention of following his king's instructions,yet as Morgana turned to him, her lovely eyes large in her heart-shaped face and a tiny mournful smile on her lips, she asked simply, without coercion, "I know you have your orders, but I've been locked in that cell for days. Is it possible we can make a slight detour on the way back. I promise I'll be good, but I will understand if you say no."

"Morgana, you heard Arthur," he said solemnly, before giving a rueful grin. "But you know I could never refuse you. Come. I'll take you back by way of the roof walk, though it's been raining hard, so be careful up there. I don't want to have to explain why your corpse is lying in the courtyard."

"Perhaps that would be the best outcome... for everyone," she said without guile. "Fear not, Kay. I'm not about to throw myself from the roof, but thank you. We need not stay out long. I would just appreciate some fresh air, wet or not."

In silence they climbed to the highest part of the castle and began to slowly stroll by the parapet. Morgana was the first to speak. "I'm surprised to see you back here, Kay, but happy too. When did you return?"

The knight blushed slightly. "I arrived a few days ago, but left almost immediately on an errand for Arthur." Kay had started to explain his mission when he remembered Arthur's warning. Although he was having difficulty believing his childhood friend was evil, he had heard the reports, and only moments ago, she had confessed. Perhaps it were better that he kept Arthur's intentions to himself. "I'd always planned on returning to Camelot, to become one of Arthur's knights. I heard news of an impending battle and I tried my utmost to come in time."

Morgana turned her face to the sky, smiling as the clouds drifted by and the sun affirmed its dominance overhead. Rain droplets sparkled on the slate roofs and the air felt fresh and clean... or perhaps it was because she had been confined that she appreciated the brightness after the storm.

At her side, Kay watched her closely. Not for any sign of treachery, but he had always been fascinated by Morgana. "When word spread that both you and Arthur were dead, I refused to believe... You can't know how happy I am that both those rumours were unfounded."

Morgana stopped and studied Kay's face, searching for the truth. "I can see how you would be pleased that Arthur still lived, but I think it would have been better had I remained dead. I pose only a problem for Arthur and Camelot..."

"Don't say that!" Kay cut in vehemently, before toning down his voice. "You are alive, then there must be a reason..."

"What reason could there be for a murderer to live on... and one who it seems is responsible for the death of thousands?"

"There will always be battles, Morgana. The Saxons grow ever stronger in this land; they were bound to fight Camelot..."

"But I should have stood alongside Arthur. After all, we are both Pendragons," Morgana admitted quietly.

"So I heard," Kay gave a derisive laugh. "For all his moralising, Uther wasn't the upright king he liked to think himself."

"He was a tyrant and I came to hate him... more than I could ever have believed possible!" she said, her voice hard, like iron striking against an anvil.

For the first time, Kay looked askance at Morgana, and as her eyes blazed in remembered rage, he felt that perhaps he had done wrong in letting her come up here. Maybe she really was a sorceress and she might fly away. Yet, in a lightening change of mood, Morgana laughed, a light tinkling sound which calmed his fanciful thoughts.

"Don't look so worried, Kay. I'm not about to start casting spells. To tell the truth, I can't even remember how to go about practising magic."

From their perch high by the crenelations, Morgana looked down on the courtyard, which was growing busier by the moment now the rain had ceased and Camelot's normal life resumed. Watching the people go about their business with a lightness of step and smiles on their faces, a new perspective gradually dawned within her.

"Arthur is not Uther, and I really don't want to see my brother dead. In fact, now some of my earlier memories are returning, I would like to aid him and Merlin in their plans to bring magic back to Camelot. I might not remember being a High Priestess, but I never could condone executing people for simply having sorcery."

"I never understood it either, but I suppose I was too young to know the rights or wrongs of it before I left," Kay said, as if he were examining his opinion on the use of magic for the first time. "In Amorica, there were some good witches and some bad ones too. The good ones were tolerated, even revered in some cases..."

"And the bad ones?" Morgana tilted her head to look up into Kay's face as she asked the all important question.

"They were burned at the stake," Kay admitted reluctantly. "They were usually guilty, but I always thought there might have been a more humane way of ending their lives."

Morgana smiled, lightly touching Kay's hand which rested beside hers on the wall. "For a warrior, Sir Kay, you seem to have a tender heart."

Kay sighed, thinking for a moment. "I don't believe the two are exclusive. In battle, you never consider the rights or wrongs of what you are doing. It's a case of kill or be killed. But afterwards, when the battle lust has subsided, I believe there is room for mercy. I know there are Warlords who don't live that way, which is why I wanted to give my fealty to Arthur. He is known throughout the five kingdoms and beyond as a fair and just ruler."

This time it was Morgana who was silent for a time, but finally she straightened her shoulders as she acknowledged the truth. "I think he is. For so very long, I was blinded by anger and hatred... I think I might have been mad. Uther's legacy, perhaps. Now I am willing to accept I was wrong... and the question is, how do I make Arthur trust me once more?"

"No, Morgana. Unfortunately, the question is, do you deserve forgiveness and trust?"

Once again, Morgana's laugh rang out in the elevated air. "One thing I do remember, Kay. You always did have the annoying habit of being right! Now, take me back to my prison before you get yourself into trouble, and thank you for letting be spend a little time in the open air."

As instructed, Kay quickly led Morgana back to her stark cell, where once again she thanked him. "Take care of Arthur, Sir Kay," she said formally in the presence of her guards. "Now leave me to think how I can make reparation for my all my misdeeds."

She turned and entered her cell, only to find a number of tapestries now adorned the walls, and a thick rug from the far east covered the floor by her bed, while a chest with some of her old clothes stood in a corner.

"Oh, Arthur, underneath your bravado, you always were a kind hearted soul," she whispered to herself, while feeling shocked that she actually meant it. What could she possibly do now to win back the love he once held for her?

Tragically, she wasn't sure there was a path left for her which would bring her home.

How do you like Morgana in this part? At the moment, she is writing her own story, and I'm not quite sure yet what fate has in store for her.

Once again, thank you for your support.